Holidays with History

Holiday Cottages with Gardens

We care for some of England’s finest historic gardens. From Capability Brown designed landscapes, to elegant parterre gardens and working kitchen gardens. All of our cottages come with free access to English Heritage properties during your stay, so you can explore as much of our gardens and grounds as you wish.

Priors Lodge - Mount Grace Priory

Tucked away at the foot of the Cleveland Hills in North Yorkshire, Mount Grace Priory is a haven of tranquility. Explore 13 acres of newly rejuvenated Arts and Crafts gardens (whilst keeping an eye out for the famous priory stoats as you go). Roam the room-like spaces of the terraces and dell garden, and see the Monk’s Cell garden full of herbs, vegetables and flowers. A stay at Prior's Lodge positions you at the heart of it all, with exclusive access to explore the ruins of the medieval monastery and gardens on your own terms. 

 

The Bowling Green Apartment - Carisbrooke Castle

Visit the Edwardian-inspired garden at Carisbrooke Castle set within the former 'privy' gardens of Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Beatrice. The garden is brimming with charming period features, from the formal clipped hedges that adorn the fountain centrepiece, to the rich shades of the herbaceous borders. Look closely and you'll notice that the castle's stained glass windows are cleverly reflected in ribbon planting in the borders. A stay at The Bowling Green Apartment will give you direct access to wander the grounds of King Charles I’s bowling green, the tranquil Princess Beatrice Garden and a chance to meet the famous Carisbrooke donkeys!

 

 

No 1 & 2 Sovereign’s Gate and Pavilion Cottage - Osborne

"It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot" famously said Queen Victoria of Osborne, her beloved family home on the Isle of Wight. This magnificient Italiante coastal palace is surrounded by meticuously crafted gardens, much of which was designed by Prince Albert himself. Book a stay at No 1 or No 2 Sovereign Gate or Pavilion Cottage to enjoy glorious terraces and stunning bedding made possible by the mild climate. But thats not all - Osborne also offers parkland with a trail leading to the Swiss Cottage - the playhouse of the nine royal children and there's also Queen Victoria's private beach to explore. 

Pool House - Witley Court

A visit to Witley Court transports visitors back to its Victorian heyday, with elegant parterres, immaculate lawns and ornate, colourful designs. Discover gardens full of colour, monumental fountains, an enchanting woodland and spectacular wildflower meadows with stunning displays. One of the highlights of any trip to Witley is seeing the great 26ft Perseus and Andromeda fountain in action, which fires at various points throughout the day from April to October. Pool House, is one of our larger cottages and sleeps 8, so you can bring your friends and family to discover the delights of the gardens too.

Cambridge Lodge and The Head Gardener’s House - Audley End

It's no surprise that one of England's finest stately mansions is surrounded by equally impressive gardens. Wander the tranquil gardens created by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, be dazzled by the colour and number of plants, and hear the horses’ hooves as they cross the Victorian stable yard. But thats not all, there is also a parterre garden, a thriving kitchen garden and acres of sprawling parkland to explore. Book a stay at Cambridge Lodge or The Head Gardener's House to explore the delights of Audley End throughout the seasons. 

The Garden Cottage and The Greenhouse Apartment - Walmer Castle

A former Tudor artillery fort, and now a stately home, Walmer Castle is surrounded by award-winning gardens. Relax in the Queen Mother’s Garden, meander the natural woodland trail, marvel at the undulating cloud yew hedge along the Broadwalk Garden, and immerse in colour, smells and flavours from the Kitchen Garden. Both The Garden Cottage and The Greenhouse Apartment are perfectly located to enjoy views of the kitchen garden and the castle itself.

Gardener’s House - Wrest Park

The 90 acres of gardens at Wrest Park allow you to embark on a journey of discovery spanning three centuries of landcape design and enjoy the unique opportunity to see French, Dutch, Italian and English landscaping styles side by side. The 90 acres of beautiful gardens, including landscapes remodelled by Capability Brown, delight with heady scents, water features, beautiful statues and a pear orchard with floral lawn. Gardener's House which was originally constructed for Wrest Park's Head Gardener, provides the perfect base to retire to after a day of exploring the glorious gardens and grounds.